250106 Regular Meeting
January 6, 2025
The Randolph County Board of Commissioners met in regular session at 6:00 p.m. in the 1909
Randolph County Historic Courthouse Meeting Room, 145 Worth Street, Asheboro, NC.
Chairman Darrell Frye, Vice-Chairman Kenny Kidd, Commissioner David Allen, Commissioner
Hope Haywood, and Commissioner Lester Rivenbark were present. Also present were County
Manager Zeb Holden, Assistant County Manager/Finance Officer Will Massie, Assistant County
Manager William Johnson, and County Attorney Ben Morgan. Clerk to the Board Dana Crisco
was absent. Chaplain Bill Hatfield from the Randolph County Sheriff’s Office gave the invocation
and everyone recited the Pledge of Allegiance. The meeting was livestreamed on YouTube.
Public Comment Period
Pursuant to N.C.G.S. §153A-52.1, Chairman Frye opened the floor for public comment and
closed it after everyone wishing to speak had done so. County Attorney Ben Morgan read aloud
the Public Comment Rules of Procedure.
Dr. Sharon Castelli, Superintendent Uwharrie Charter Academy, Asheboro; thanked the
Board and the City of Asheboro for their assistance during the water and sewer project. She gave
an update on the new traffic circle and building completions. Dr. Castelli stated that there had
been negative comments on social media regarding the road improvements.
Commissioner Rivenbark stated that he spoke to the DOT Engineer about the roundabout and
it is designed for trucks and buses to drive over if they cannot make the turn.
Amy Wang, 1482 Fuller Mill Rd., Thomasville; spoke regarding the TASC gun range. She
played a recording with gun shots to explain what she and her neighbors hear. She stated that they
cannot handle this noise any longer.
Isaac Hoffman, 6482 Old Post Office Rd., Thomasville; spoke regarding the TASC gun range.
He read part of the noise ordinance and how it should apply to gun range enforcement.
Fritz Wang, 1482 Fuller Mill Rd., Thomasville; spoke regarding the TASC gun range. He has
not heard anything from the Board regarding a new hearing. He suggested rules that should be
applied to the gun range.
Ed Lietz, 6758 Blue Quartz Dr., Thomasville; said a citizen that spoke at the previous meeting
saying he was glad to live in Randolph County and could own guns. Mr. Lietz stated the issue
against the TASC gun range was not about gun ownership. It was about noise and lead pollution.
Chairman Frye said that there was some investigation being done on this issue.
Consent Agenda
On motion of Haywood, seconded by Kidd, the Board voted 5-0 to approve the Consent Agenda,
as presented, as follows:
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approve Board of Commissioners Regular Meeting Minutes of December 2,
2024 and Special Meeting Minutes of December 19, 2024;
approve Resolution Requesting the Appointment of Justin Luck as a Plat Officer
for the City of Asheboro;
move Susan Thompson to a Regular Seat on the Planning Board and Appoint
Nick Mooney as an Alternate to the Planning Board;
appoint Bradley Cooper, Mandy Shields, Chad Hall, and Christopher Sapp and
reappoint Julia Bowman, Bryan Davis, Christie McCorquodale, James Bittle,
Darby Vereyken, Hope Haywood, Lynsay Saunders, and Matt Talbott to the
Randolph County Local Emergency Planning Committee;
appoint Lera Foust and Zeb Holden and reappoint Branson O'Hara to the
Randolph County Juvenile Crime Prevention Council;
appoint Vice-Chairman and reappoint Chairman to the Randolph Health
(hospital) Board of Directors;
appoint Michael Peele to the Seagrove-Ulah Metropolitan Water District;
approve Budget Amendment - Sheriff's Office ($2,000), as follows:
2024-2025 Budget Ordinance
General Fund – Budget Amendment #48
Revenues Increase Decrease
Miscellaneous $2,000
Appropriations Increase Decrease
Sheriff $2,000
approve Budget Amendment - Public Health ($2,500), as follows:
2024-2025 Budget Ordinance
General Fund – Budget Amendment #49
Revenues Increase Decrease
Restricted Intergovernmental $2,500
Appropriations Increase Decrease
Public Health $2,500
approve Budget Amendment -- Public Library ($1,400), as follows:
2024-2025 Budget Ordinance
General Fund – Budget Amendment #50
Revenues Increase Decrease
Restricted Intergovernmental $1,400
Appropriations Increase Decrease
Public Library $1,400
approve Project Amendment - Project Red Oak, as follows:
Economic Development Reserve
Budget Amendment #10
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Revenues Increase Decrease
Transfer from Red Oak Grant $232,500
Project
Appropriations Increase Decrease
Transfer to General Fund $232,500
Red Oak Grant Project Ordinance
Budget Amendment #2
Revenues Increase Decrease
Restricted Intergovernmental – $59,696
Golden LEAF
Appropriations Increase Decrease
DOT Road Improvements $292,195
Transfer to Economic $232,500
Development Reserve
approve the County's Petition to Remain Substantially Equivalent.
Annual Audit Report
April Adams, Partner, Cherry Bekaert LLC, showed a PowerPoint presentation to review the
results of the audit. No material weaknesses were reported and there were no misstatements noted.
Chairman Frye spoke of the audit process and how much more complicated it had become. He
and the Manager had talked about the Board receiving a monthly financial update to keep
informed.
Commissioner Allen commended Mr. Massie and his staff on their hard work throughout the
year to have a clean audit. He is aware of how much time goes into these processes.
On motion of Allen, seconded by Rivenbark, the Board voted 5-0 to accept the 2023-24 Annual
Audit Report of Cherry Bekaert, LLC.
Tourism Development Authority (TDA)
Amber Scarlett, Executive Director of the TDA, gave the highlights of 2023 Annual Report.
She presented analysis and data on the following topics:
Economic impact from visitor spending
2023 Occupancy Tax Revenues
Destination data
I-73/74 Visitor Centers statistics
Marketing and advertising
United Way Annual Report
Samantha Baker, the new Executive Director of United Way, introduced herself. She presented
some successes throughout the FY 2023-24. In the report, she pointed out that Randolph County
Government was in the top five businesses for their campaign.
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Sheriff’s Office Requests
Sheriff Greg Seabolt said the Sheriff's Office has identified the following critical needs and
projects that require funding:
Auto Setup for 2023 – 2024 Vehicles $260,000
Computers, Hardware and Software $207,050
Replacement of X-Ray Machine $33,350
These expenditures are essential for enhancing the operational capabilities, officer safety, and
technological infrastructure of the Randolph County Sheriff's Office. This additional funding will
enable the Sheriff’s Office to address these priority needs and continue providing effective law
enforcement services to the community.
Vice-Chairman Kidd asked if this request covered all of the vehicles that must be upfitted.
Steven Nunn responded that it would.
On motion of Kidd, seconded by Haywood, the Board voted 5-0 to 1) approve additional
funding for the Sheriff’s Office in the amount of $500,400, as presented and 2) approve the
associated Budget Amendment, as follows:
2024-2025 Budget Ordinance
General Fund – Budget Amendment #51
Revenues Increase Decrease
Appropriated Fund Balance $500,400
Appropriations Increase Decrease
Sheriff $500,400
Reclassification of Social Services Positions
Tracie Murphy, Social Services Director, said with the passing of Medicaid Expansion, a large
number of Income Maintenance staff were hired very quickly to manage the level of work. This
has increased the need for additional training and quality improvement staff. The quality and
training team ensures that staff is equipped to determine eligibility correctly. This requires an
Income Maintenance Caseworker I position to be reclassified to an Income Maintenance
Caseworker III to support improved quality and accuracy.
She also stated Social Services is experiencing increased complexity in the needs of children
entering the foster care system. With the growing volume of court intervention requirements, the
need for additional supervisory capacity has significantly increased. To better meet these demands,
the reclassification of an IAT (Investigative, Assessment and Treatment) Social Worker position
to a Child Welfare Social Work Supervisor (SWS) for the Foster Care team is imperative.
Ms. Murphy noted that these position reclassifications would increase salaries of these positions
approximately $5,000 each. However, there was no request for additional funding for them.
Chairman Frye asked where Social Services stood handling Medicaid Expansion. Ms. Murphy
said it has had its positives and negatives. While many new social workers were hired for the
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expansion in a short period of time, they now must be trained to the high standards of the Social
Services Department.
On motion of Allen, seconded by Rivenbark, the Board voted 5-0 to reclassify 1) an Income
Maintenance Caseworker I \[Grade 111\] to an Income Maintenance Caseworker III \[Grade115\]
and 2) a Child Protective Social Worker \[Grade 120\] to a Child Welfare Social Work Supervisor
\[Grade 122\].
New Classification
County Manager Zeb Holden said as the Farm Food and Family Agricultural Center nears
completion and begins to generate interest for reservations, it is important to ensure the right staff
are in place to guarantee the success of this significant investment. Therefore, please consider the
request to add the position of Agricultural Center Coordinator to the Randolph County
Classification Plan at Grade 120.
This person in this position, directed by the County Manager, will oversee the daily operations
of the Randolph County Farm Food and Family Agricultural Center. Duties will include,
promoting use of the facilities to various organizations, coordinating and supporting the Center’s
events, and performing administrative and clerical responsibilities. Work also involves enforcing
rules, regulations, and policies to ensure proper utilization of the facility in a safe and friendly
environment.
Commissioner Allen wanted to be sure that there was no confusion about the position. He
added that some people felt it was an agricultural position to oversee the resource center. He
recommended that there was a different title for the position that maybe had “event” in it. Mr.
Holden stated that the names of the positions could be changed over time as needed. There is no
intent to interfere with Cooperative Extension or Soil and Water staff or programming.
On motion of Allen, seconded by Kidd, the Board voted 5-0 to add a classification of
Agricultural Center Coordinator to the Randolph County Classification Plan at Grade 120
effective January 6,2025.
Auction Sale
Aimee Scotton, Associate County Attorney, said on March 31, 2022, the County held a tax
foreclosure sale that included a number of properties. One of these properties, identified by PIN
#7707947418 and hereinafter referred to as the “Property”, did not attract any outside bidders, and
the County ended up as the owner of the Property. The County’s bid at the foreclosure sale
amounted to a total of $2,342.94, representing the taxes owed on the Property and the fees incurred
in conducting the previous sale.
Recently she received a call from an individual who is interested in acquiring the Property.
North Carolina General Statute §153A-176 authorizes a County to dispose of real property by any
method contained in Chapter 160A, Article 12 of the North Carolina General Statutes. One of the
least expensive methods authorized by that article is public auction.
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To sell property by public auction, the board of commissioners must first adopt a resolution
authorizing the sale, describing the property to be sold, specifying the date, time, place and terms
of the sale and stating that any offer or bid must be accepted and confirmed by the board before
the sale will be effective. The resolution may, but does not have to, require that the high bidder at
the sale make a bid deposit in a specified amount. Notice of the sale must be published at least
once not less than 30 days before the sale. After the sale is conducted and bids received, the highest
bid is reported to the board, and the board may then accept or reject it.
A resolution has been prepared authorizing the Property to be sold by an auction to be held at
10:00 a.m. on Monday, February 17, 2025. This is the earliest that the sale can be held given the
30-day notice requirement. The terms of the sale require a deposit of 5% of the amount of the bid.
At the March meeting, the results of the sale will be reported. The board can then vote to accept
or reject the high bid. If Board wishes to proceed with selling the Property by auction, please
adopt the resolution authorizing the sale.
On motion of Haywood, seconded by Allen, the Board voted 5-0 to adopt the Resolution
Authorizing Auction Sale, as follows:
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING AUCTION SALE
WHEREAS, Randolph County owns the parcel of land described in Attachment A
that is surplus to its needs; and
WHEREAS, North Carolina General Statutes §153A-176 and §160A-270 permit
the County to sell real property at public auction upon approval by the Board of
Commissioners and after publication of a notice announcing the auction.
THEREFORE, THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF RANDOLPH
COUNTY RESOLVES THAT:
1. The Board of Commissioners authorizes the sale at public auction of
the parcel of land indicated on Attachment A.
2. The auction will be conducted at 10:00 a.m., Monday, February 17,
2025 in Meeting Room A of the Randolph County Office Building, 725
McDowell Road, Asheboro, NC.
3. The terms of the sale are that the buyer must present at the auction a
bid deposit of five percent (5%) of the amount of the bid, either in cash
or with a certified check. The deposit will be held by the County until
either the Board of Commissioners rejects the high bid for the
property or, if the Board of Commissioners accepts the high bid, the
closing of the sale. The deposit will be forfeited to the County if the
high bidder refuses to close the sale after the bid has been approved
by the Board of Commissioners.
4. After the auction, the high bid for the parcel shall be reported to the
Board of Commissioners. The Board of Commissioners will accept
or reject the bid within thirty (30) days after the bid is reported to it.
No sale may be completed until the Board of Commissioners has
approved the high bid.
5. The County reserves the right to withdraw the property from auction
at any time before the auction sale of that property.
ATTACHMENT A
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Parcel Available for Public Auction
That parcel identified by Parcel Identification Number 7707-94-
7418 acquired by the County by deed recorded in Deed Book
2802, Page 2067 of the Randolph County Registry and more
particularly described as follows:
All of lots 318, 319, 320 and 321 of Gray Oaks Development, as
per plat and survey thereof on file in Plat Book 11 at Page 78,
Randolph County Registry.
Also known as 0 Link Court, Trinity, NC 27370.
SUBJECT TO ANY AND ALL EASEMENTS AND
RESTRICTIONS OF RECORD.
SAVE AND EXCEPT ANY AND ALL CONVEYANCES OF
RECORD.
VIPER Tower Equipment Purchase
Jared Byrd, Deputy Chief of Emergency Services, said as a continuation of the on-going
Randleman VIPER communication tower project, Randolph County will be required to connect
the new Randleman tower with existing VIPER towers (Mt. Shepherd and Staley) via a microwave
network. The radio microwave dish equipment can be purchased from Aviat U.S., Inc., who is the
required vendor for NC VIPER. This equipment was originally quoted through Motorola but was
removed from their quote when staff found that purchasing it directly from Aviat U.S. Inc., was
more cost efficient.
On motion of Haywood, seconded by Rivenbark, the Board voted 5-0 to approve the purchase
of required microwave equipment for the Randleman VIPER Tower project from Aviat US, Inc. at
a total cost of $117,240.
County Manager Update
County Manager Zeb Holden commended Mr. Massie and his team for their excellent work on
the Annual Audit.
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He also mentioned the showing of The Generation Theory on January 14 at 6 p.m. at the
Sunset Theatre in Asheboro. Afterwards, there will be a panel discussion.
Commissioner Updates
Commissioner Allen gave an update on Trillium. The new Board for Trillium has only two
commissioners. Unfortunately, it is looking like mental health treatment will become privatized.
This could leave counties responsible for paying more money out their budgets for care.
Adjournment
At 7:46 p.m., on motion of Allen, seconded by Rivenbark, the Board voted 5-0 to adjourn.
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________________________________ ________________________________
Darrell Frye, Chairman Kenny Kidd
________________________________ _________________________________
David Allen Hope Haywood
________________________________ _________________________________
Lester Rivenbark Dana Crisco, Clerk to the Board
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